The "Race of No Return," is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 26 October in the remote Sahara Desert in Egypt.

Yes, and Dahl is competing! God knows why?

(Please delete if you’re not interested in my blithering….this is not NB…..and please reply "unsubscribe" if you don’t want to receive future blurb. I know how irritating these mails can be at work)

What is the Sahara Race?

It is a seven-day, six-stage, 250-kilometer footrace across the Sahara Desert of Egypt. Each individual must also carry his or her own gear, food and clothing in a backpack. The only assistance provided is water, tents and medical assistance. The average backpack weighs about 20 pounds (9 kilos).

How how is it?

Temperatures frequently reaching more than 45 degrees Celsius or 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

What does each stage entail?

Stage 1:

The first stage is moderate with a total of 35 kilometers (21.9 miles). Mainly flat, rocky and sandy ground. The fast competitors are expected to take 3 hours, while the slower competitors will take up to 12 hours to complete the stage.

Stage 2:

The stage begins with a difficult section followed by more moderate terrain. Competitors will cover almost a marathon distance of 41.8 kilometers (26.1 miles). The terrain is sandy and rocky throughout the stage. Leaders in 3hrs, back of pack will again take nearly 12 hours.

Stage 3:

Competitors will be in an area where only sand is in sight, leading to a dune section known for its harsh and unforgiving winds. The area resembles a paradise with no water. The distance is 37.5 kilometers (23.4 miles). Leaders in 3hrs, slower ones will take 12 hours.

Stage 4:

Ancient roman ruins can be found everywhere, and a mummy is hidden just to the left of the oasis as a reminder of just how unforgiving the terrain can be. The total distance is 37 kilometers (23.1 miles) which can be described as simply "sandy." 3:30 minutes for the fast ones and 13hrs for the slower field.

Stage 5:

At long last, competitors who are still in the competition will face the 95 - 100 kilometer (50 - 60 mile. The terrain is lunar like, with many plateaus to traverse. A strong mind and limitless endurance will be the key to survival on this stage which is simply flat out and stony for most of the way. The leaders should be able to complete the section in 8hrs, while those selecting a diiferent approach can take as long as 31 hours.

Stage 6:

Stage 6 will take competitors into the famous Pyramids of Giza, with a short five – ten kilometer sprint (three – six miles).

Object:

Most of these stages are a marathon although one of the days is a double marathon. I’d hoped we’d be running by night but alas it’s not….it’s by day and temps can reach 50 degrees. I also enquired what the catering was like but was told I’d be carrying all my own food and equipment. Finally I asked about medical assistance but was only assured that my entry cost covers the transportation of my body back to my home country in the event of the unthinkable….."thanks for that". Clearly this wasn’t my idea and again I have to pass blame on to my my friend Douglas Girling who suggested the whole thing in the first place.

So why do you care? Two reasons really:

1) Many have asked if I can send out update emails during the race. This I shall indeed try if I can muster up any excess energy after each day. I’m hoping to send out a daily "laugh at me" mail at the end of each of the 6 days as well as a few nervous pre-race updates. In addition, we are hoping to have a GPS signal strapped to our backs so anyone can monitor our minute by minute progress (or lack of) on google earth. HOWEVER, to be excluded from these emails please let me know so you don’t get inundated with spam.

2) Secondly, charity. Yes I know that we are in the worse financial crisis since the great depression, but hey it would be criminal for me not to try to raise money for this so here goes.

My friend and UBS colleague asked me whether I would run for his son's UK charity. Ethan has a single ventricle heart condition, children born with half a working heart.

So I am running for Ethan and his mates. It's called Little Hearts Matter and works to raise awareness of the needs of these children and their families.

If you do have an spare money, here is the link

http://www.justgiving.com/4desertssahara2008